Homeless Crisis in Cardiff: Lives Lost as Temperatures Plummet
The bitter cold has claimed the lives of numerous homeless people in the Welsh capital, as temperatures drop below freezing across the country. With Cardiff experiencing temperatures as low as -2°C in the early hours of Thursday morning, the situation has become increasingly dire. Homeless individuals in the city have expressed their despair, revealing that they have “lost count” of the number of deaths they have witnessed on the streets.
In an effort to address this urgent issue, Helping Our Homeless Wales, a self-funded charity, has been tirelessly working to provide food, clothing, and essential items to those living on the streets. Volunteers from the charity brave the freezing temperatures as they walk the streets of Cardiff every week, offering assistance to those in need.
Kelly De-Winton, a dedicated volunteer, shared her concern over the escalating crisis, stating, “The need has got so much greater over the last six months. We’re now probably seeing three times the amount of people that we used to see. It’s quite a desperate situation in Cardiff.”
To get a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by the homeless community, we joined the volunteers on one of their rounds. We witnessed their efforts to distribute warm clothing and food to those forced to sleep rough. The demand for assistance has skyrocketed, with the charity striving to increase their weekly meals from 30 to 90.
Tragically, the number of homeless deaths in Cardiff continues to rise. In November of last year, Richard O’Brien, a well-known rough sleeper, was found dead outside a Burger King on Queen Street after falling ill during the night. He was one of three individuals who lost their lives on the city’s streets in 2022.
Joseph, another homeless person in Cardiff, expressed his dismay, stating, “Over the last two months, I’ve lost count of the amount of people who have died just from being on the streets. It’s disconcerting to know that there are that many people in this situation and they’re just not getting the help that should be provided to them.”
According to recent statistics released by the Welsh Government, the number of households assessed as homeless between 2022 and 2023 increased by 7% compared to the previous year. Additionally, there was a 25% rise in the number of households identified as unintentionally homeless and in priority need.
The situation in Cardiff is dire, with the number of individuals seeking food and assistance increasing significantly. Scott Howell, a volunteer with the charity, highlighted the worsening conditions, explaining, “We started around seven years ago and we’d see 30-40 [people]. We’re seeing around 90 people now on the streets who are wanting food, and that’s not the total problem. Some people are sofa surfing or consider themselves not homeless but still need clothes, food, and duvets.”
The Welsh Government has taken steps to address the crisis, investing over £210 million in homelessness prevention and housing support services for 2023-24, with an additional record £330 million allocated to social housing.
While efforts are being made to combat homelessness, the situation remains dire for those living on the streets of Cardiff. Urgent action is needed to ensure the safety and well-being of these vulnerable individuals, as they face the harsh realities of winter without a place to call home..